The University of Canberra has been nudged into third place behind the Australian National University and Australian Catholic University's Signadou Campus at Watson in the local race for star ratings in this year's edition of the Good Universities Guide.
But the UC continues to dominate the employment market, receiving five out of five stars for getting graduates into jobs.
When totals of all star rankings are calculated with stars allocated in 19 different categories, including whether it is difficult to get entry to a degree, teaching quality and whether graduates find work after completing their studies the ANU has 78 stars, compared with 54 for the ACU and 51 for the UC.
The most stars any university can earn is 95, although the Good Universities Guide to be published today cautions against such league tables, saying each university should be considered individually.
This year, the ACU earned seven new stars for its access by equity groups, cultural diversity, staff-student ratios, and non-government earnings as well as positive graduate outcomes and getting a job after graduation. It lost two stars for gender balance.
In comparison, the UC lost four stars in student demand, research, entry flexibility and positive graduate outcomes, but gained four stars in access by equity groups, generic skills and staff qualifications.
For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times